Last Updated: April 3, 2026 ·
App: How Often
At How Often, we take privacy seriously — especially because the events you track may be personal, health-related, or sensitive. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect, how we use it, and the rights you have. By using How Often, you agree to the practices described below.
1. Introduction
How Often ("we," "us," or "our") is an iOS application that helps users track the frequency of events in their lives and discover patterns over time. The app is designed as a personal tool — your tracking data belongs to you.
We are committed to minimal data collection, transparent practices, and never selling your personal information to third parties.
2. Data Collection
How Often collects only what is necessary to provide the service:
- Event Tracking Data: The names, timestamps, and notes for events you create and log within the app. This is the core data of the service and is stored locally on your device by default.
- Account Information: If you create an account or sign in via Google, we collect your name and email address for account management and optional cloud backup.
- Usage Data: Anonymized, aggregated information about how features are used (e.g., which screens are visited most) to help us improve the app. This data is never linked to your identity or your tracked events.
- Identifiers: A non-personally-identifiable device or installation ID used to maintain app functionality and analytics.
- Crash Reports: Diagnostic information submitted automatically if the app crashes, to help us fix bugs. These reports do not include your tracking data.
🔒 By default, all event tracking data is stored locally on your device and never transmitted to our servers unless you explicitly enable cloud backup.
3. Use of Data
We use the data we collect to:
- Provide the core functionality of event tracking and pattern analysis.
- Sync your data across devices if you enable cloud backup.
- Improve app stability, performance, and features using anonymized usage data.
- Respond to your support requests and inquiries.
- Comply with legal obligations and prevent misuse of our services.
We do not use your tracked event data for advertising, behavioral profiling, or any purpose other than delivering the How Often app experience to you.
4. Data Storage
How Often is designed with a local-first approach. By default, all your event logs and patterns are stored on your device and do not leave it.
If you opt in to cloud backup, your data is encrypted in transit and at rest. You can delete your cloud data at any time from within the app or by contacting us.
We do not retain your tracking data after you delete it or your account. Anonymized, aggregated analytics data may be retained indefinitely for product improvement purposes.
5. Third-Party Services
We work with a limited set of trusted third-party services:
- Google Auth: If you choose to sign in with Google, we receive your name and email address for account creation.
- Cloud Storage Provider: If you enable backup, your encrypted data is stored with a reputable, security-focused provider.
- Crash Reporting: Anonymous diagnostic reports are sent to a crash analytics service to help us fix bugs quickly.
- Analytics: Anonymized, aggregated usage patterns are tracked to improve the product. No personal data or event content is included.
Each provider operates under its own privacy policy and applicable data processing agreements. We do not authorize any third party to use your data for their own purposes.
6. Data Sharing
We do not sell your data. We do not share your personal information or tracking data with third parties for marketing purposes. We may share data only in these limited circumstances:
- Service Providers: Vendors who assist with app infrastructure, solely under strict confidentiality agreements.
- Legal Requirements: If required by law, court order, or to protect the safety of our users or the public.
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger or acquisition, your data may transfer to a successor entity under equivalent privacy protections.
7. Data Protection
We implement industry-standard security practices including encryption in transit (TLS) and encryption at rest for any data stored in the cloud. Local data on your device is protected by your device's built-in security features.
⚠️ No system is entirely secure. While we take reasonable precautions, we cannot guarantee absolute protection against unauthorized access or data breaches.
8. User Rights
You have the right to:
- Access: Request a copy of any personal data we hold about you.
- Correction: Ask us to correct inaccurate information.
- Deletion: Delete your tracking data at any time from within the app. Request full account deletion by contacting us.
- Portability: Export your event history from the app at any time in a standard format.
To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the information in Section 11.
9. Children's Privacy
How Often is not directed to children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you believe a child has provided us with personal data, please contact us and we will delete it promptly.
10. Updates to Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. When we do, we will revise the "Last Updated" date above and, for material changes, notify you via an in-app notice. Your continued use of How Often after any update constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.